New Homeworld gets a launch trailer ahead of its release next week

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak - i.e. the RTS game formerly known as Homeworld: Shipreakers (i.e. the game formerly known as Hardware: Shipbreakers) - has released a new story trailer and gameplay footage ahead of its 20th January release.

Developed by Blackbird Interactive, a new studio comprised by many of the folks who created the first Homeworld in 1999 at Relic Entertainment, Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak was originally going to be an off-brand spiritual successor to the Homeworld franchise. But once Gearbox purchased the rights to the Homeworld IP in 2013 during THQ's bankruptcy, it decided to join forces with Blackbird and let them use the official Homeworld license.

Where Homeworld games are typically set in deep space, Deserts of Kharak is set on the titular sandy planet and it serves as a prequel to the main Homeworld series. While originally conceived as a new IP, it turns out Blackbird artist Aaron Kambeitz had secretly been plotting how to connect the game then known as Hardware: Shipbreaks into the Homeworld universe should the opportunity arise. Thankfully, it did.

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak usually goes for Ł29.99 / $49.99 on Steam, but it's 20 per cent off for owners of the Homeworld Remastered Collection. Others will have to pay full price, but pre-orders come with a copy of said Remastered Collection.